Blogging The Boys
The good and the bad with each defensive coordinator replacement Dallas has interviewed.
Jim Leonhard, Broncos pass game coordinator
Interviewed: Jan. 10
For: If you go back and listen to what Schottenheimer said he was looking for in the season-end press conference, Leonhard checks a lot of boxes. Need takeaways? Check. Need a teacher? Check. Need energy? Check. Leonhard brings fascinating experience from his time as a player and coach to the table, including his six stellar seasons as defensive coordinator at the University of Wisconsin (four top-five FBS defenses) and his last two seasons with the Broncos (17th and seventh in pass defense). His disguised coverage and simulated pressure scheme would bring a layer of complication for opposing offenses that Dallas hasn’t brought defensively in some time.
Against: Hiring a play-caller with just two seasons at the NFL level is a major risk. Yes, Leonhard’s experience at the college level was about as a high of a grade as it could be, but the ability to show adaptability over time at the NFL level is a different animal. When opposing offensive coordinators get that first six-game sample-size from his scheme and concepts, they will adjust and attack. Is there evidence that he can react to that accordingly?
Zach Orr, former Ravens defensive coordinator
Interviewed: Jan. 13
For: A specialist in run game plans, Orr’s first year as a coordinator with the Ravens in 2024 saw Baltimore allow the fewest rushing yards of any team in the league by a 217-yard margin. If Orr has a quality pass game coordinator to be his running mate as the defensive coordinator, he could end up being a splendid hire with his run-fit teaching and front-seven production. Not to mention, he’s a local product (DeSoto High School and North Texas), and he has experience coaching with Schottenheimer in Jacksonville in 2021.
Against: His pass defenses haven’t quite lived up to his run game standards (31st and 30th in pass yards allowed in 2024 and 2025, respectively). The success of an Orr hire would be largely dependent on who would be coaching his secondary, meaning that Jerry Jones would have to be convinced to fork up defensive coordinator money for two separate hires. And if he doesn’t, then a lot of pressure would be put on an unproven pass game specialist.
After a decade of ups and downs, Dallas is all in on Dak Prescott.
Faith in their quarterback
Prescott’s health has been a story every other year. He didn’t miss a game his first four seasons, but he fractured an ankle in 2020. In 2022, there was a thumb injury. In 2024, a hamstring injury.
Prescott...
